Celeste V. Lopes, Esq. '80

First blind Assistant District Attorney in New York State

Celeste V. Lopes, Esq. earned her B.A. in 1980. In August 1983, immediately after sitting for the New York State Bar Exam, Lopes joined the King's County District Attorney's Office in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was first assigned to the Sex Crimes Bureau. She moved through various assignments and is currently a deputy bureau chief of the Rackets Division. She is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of N.Y. and in Massachusetts.

Outside of her professional activities, Lopes is involved in competitive English horsemanship. She is also an avid skier and kayaker. Since 1987, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Smithtown, N.Y., including two years as board president. She serves on numerous other boards.

In July of 1994 Lopes filmed a public service announcement with Attorney General Janet Reno to promote the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and attended an anniversary celebration of the ADA hosted by the White House. In 1996 she was featured in a PBS documentary, "People in Motion." Lopes was the first blind Assistant District Attorney in New York State and one of a handful nationwide.

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Celeste V. Lopes, Esq.William Smith Class of 1980

Contribution: First blind Assistant District Attorney in New York State and one of a handful nationwide.